Pats to Release Running Back Thomas Clayton

The Patriots have informed running back Thomas Clayton that he will be released, a league source confirms.

The move, not unexpected, comes one day after second-round draft choice Shane Vereen — a running back out of Cal — signed a four-year contract with the club. This will create more repetitions for Vereen and fellow rookie Stevan Ridley (3rd round) in practice. Clayton played in one game last season, the finale against the Dolphins, and had six carries for 17 yards.